grampa_stang

I was watching Horsepower TV (Speed channel) when they were doing the '06 GT
conversion to a Roush. I noticed when they replaced the front struts they did NOT
use a spring compressor. They just un-bolted the main upper strutnut and with the
front a-arms supported by a jack, just lowered it down and the strut came right out.

Then to install the new strut, he set the spring on the strut, put it up into the housing
and jacked it up a little and then tightened the main upper strut nut. This way seems
easier than using the spring compressor.

I'm no expert, am I missing something?

I only ask because this is my next mod. I've done shocks and springs myself before
but never a front strut.

Thanks in advance for any comments.

exx1976

Wow.. I never thought of doing that.. I guess it'd work, I see no reason why not.. I did struts in my old car.. It was kinda funny, I did lowering springs at the same time, and the lowering springs were so much shorter than stock that I didn't need a compressor to put them back together.. LOL

RHuckster

I haven't looked @ mine but if its a strut thats how its done, you would only need the spring compressor after the struts are removed & you want to replace just the springs & re-use the Cartridge(shock).

Rick

Poco

Thats the way my springs were installed.No spring compressor.It took about 3 hours for the whole car. You need a steady hand. With the floor jack under the control arm,lower it the jack and the the control arm comes down far enough the spring falls out.You do have to get the car up high enough on jack stands.If you decide to do this make sure your floor jack has a good manual lowering valve.

CataclysmGT

That sure would have been safer..........spring compressors scare the bejesus out of me.

deekum1627

yea you can do it that way its easier then using the spring compressor

grampa_stang

Why would it matter if the strut is new or the original?
I plan on only doing the springs and re-using the cartridge.
Doesn't the "jack" do the job of the spring compressor or am I
missing something? Forgive my ignorance.

RHuckster

OK, well normally you take the whole unit off in 1 piece & disassemble on the bench. I guess I misunderstood & they are disassembling while on the car. Did I ever use the words new or Original??????

Rick

grampa_stang

I'm asking because I really didn't understand what the difference would be. But you stated that you only need a spring compressor if you're replacing the springs
and re-using the cartridge...which to me "re-use" means keeping what was already on the car. Thanks for the info.